COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THREE PERCIFORME FISHES FROM THE SOUTH WEST COAST OF INDIA

Accurate information about the nutritive value of the fish is essential for selection for consumption and commerce. This study attempts to evaluate the biochemical composition of three Perciformes fishes which commonly occur in the south west coastal landings. Muscle tissue of Terapon jarbua, Pristipom a maculatum and Terapon quadrilineatus were subjected to analysis of protein, carbohydrate, lipid, moisture and ash. The statistical significance of mean difference of parameters was tested. Among these three fishes, T. jarbua possesses the highest lipid (2.99 + 0.01) and ash content (1.41 + 0.06). This indicates the nutritional value of T. jarbua in relation to the presence of fatty acids and minerals. P. maculatum has the highest protein (11.63 + 0.09) and carbohydrate content (10.90 + 0.06). T. quadrilineatus shows significantly higher moisture content (79.27 = 0.03). This evaluation helps to update the fish nutrition database and is also useful for the right choice of fish for consumption.